Secretary-General Welcomes Greece-Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Agreement Settling Long-Standing Name Dispute

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary‑General António Guterres:

With reference to the talks between Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the Secretary‑General welcomes the agreement settling the difference between the sides described in the United Nations Security Council resolutions 817 (1993) and 845 (1993).  He commends the parties for their determination to bring this long‑standing dispute to an end, in a demonstration of leadership to the wider region and beyond.  He congratulates all who participated constructively in the efforts that led to the agreement.  He wishes to pay tribute to his Personal Envoy, Matthew Nimetz, who embodied the values of perseverance, patience and quiet diplomacy in facilitating this historic agreement over many years.

The Secretary‑General urges all citizens in both countries to come together to move the process forward.  He reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to provide all necessary support, both through his Personal Envoy and through the relevant UN agencies, funds and programmes.

The Secretary‑General is convinced that the resolution of this long‑standing dispute will have positive repercussions in Europe and beyond and hopes that parties to other protracted conflicts may be inspired by this development to work towards negotiated settlements without further delay.